Bombing of Darwin 81st anniversary remembered across the Top End

Several events across the Top End will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Find out how you can take part here.

The 81st anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin will commemorate the heavy price civilians paid as well as the military efforts.

Darwin City Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said half of the Darwin community was evacuated after the February 19, 1942 attack.

“Despite assurances they would be well cared for, in so many cases that did not eventuate,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The trials endured by Darwin’s wartime refugees were tough. As were the lives awaiting them on their return.

“So many Darwin families have stories of the tests their parents and grandparents endured during that period.

“This is all part of our story and it’s something we must all remember.”

Darwin City Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the Bombing of Darwin was “a part of our national story”. Picture: Che Chorley

Mr Vatskalis said he anticipated up to 4000 people at this year’s service at The Cenotaph.

“February 19, 1942, and the first Japanese bombing raids on Darwin, mark the day we experienced the first ever enemy attack on Australia soil,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The annual Bombing of Darwin Day is one of the most important chapters in the story of our city.”

Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh – who will be representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – will be in Darwin for the ceremonies.

Tickets to the Darwin Military Museum’s Defence of Darwin Experience will be half price from February 18 to 20. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Territorians and visitors will have plenty of opportunity to commemorate the day and learn about the tragedy that changed the Top End at several events leading up to and during the Bombing of Darwin anniversary.

BOMBING OF DARWIN EVENTS

Sea Darwin’s Bombing of Darwin Cruise

When: February 15-18 (11am-12pm) and February 19 (11.30am-12.30pm).

Where: Stokes Hill Wharf.

Cost: $25.

Bombing of Darwin Experience

When: February 18-20 (9am-4pm)

Where: Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility, Stokes Hill Wharf.

Cost: $28 per adult, $16 per child, $23 per senior, student, or concession, $70 per family (50 per cent off full-priced tickets).

Defence of Darwin Experience

When: February 18, 20 (9.30am-4pm) and February 19 (10am-3pm).

Where: Darwin Military Museum, East Point Reserve.

Cost: $20 per adult, $15 per pensioner, $10 per child, $45 per family (50 per cent off full-priced tickets).

1st Brigade soldiers re-enact the defence of Darwin during the 80th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin at the city’s Esplanade. Picture: Glenn Campbell

USS Peary Memorial Service

When: February 19 (8.15am-9am).

Where: USS Peary Memorial, Bicentennial Park.

Cost: Free.

Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Service

When: February 19 (9.30am-11am).

Where: The Cenotaph.

Cost: Free.

The Bombing of Darwin and the Chinese Experience

When: February 19 (9am-2pm).

Where: NT Chinese Museum.

Cost: Gold coin donation.

Ecumenical Service

When: February 20 (10am-11am).

Where: Adelaide River War Civilian Cemetery.

Cost: Free.